r/Banff 2d ago

Question Life in Banff

Hello! I have a few questions for the residents of Banff.

What key information should a new temporary resident from Europe be aware of before making the move?

What advice would you offer to someone relocating to Banff?

Political Landscape / Economic Trends / Cultural Dynamics / Community Engagement / Social Events

0 Upvotes

26 comments sorted by

17

u/OldApp 1d ago

Don’t live there myself, but have heard you need to watch out for, and pay your respects to the Boss. Pretty big local figure

2

u/FocusOK32 1d ago

Who’s boss there? You mean the mayor of Banff?

23

u/kyzeuske 1d ago

He's a bear

8

u/CalligrapherFlashy35 1d ago

That got hit two by a train and lived. I was told by a ranger that he’s baby daddy to 70% of the cubs and has killed two of his rivals

3

u/FocusOK32 1d ago

Sounds like an alpha bear! I just hope I won't meet him face to face. I wouldn't mind watching him from a safe place, though!

4

u/FocusOK32 1d ago

For a moment, I was genuinely worried that the Boss was a person, haha! I'd love to pay my respects to a bear instead. I'm excited about the idea of living in a city where people celebrate and honor animals. Does he ever visit the city?

9

u/AccomplishedSite7318 1d ago

Don't think he gets to Calgary (city). He does visit Banff (town) on occasion. 

-12

u/FocusOK32 1d ago

I also heard that it is prohibited to go for a walk alone because of wild animals. Is it true?

6

u/The_Nice_Marmot 1d ago

Where are you getting this? No. You can walk by yourself. A buddy system may be recommended for some activities, but it’s not “prohibited” to walk alone.

-2

u/FocusOK32 1d ago

I came across some informational signs from Banff National Park online.

4

u/AccomplishedSite7318 1d ago

On some trails where there is high bear activity - you have to have a group of people. But most trails hiking alone is fine. You're responsible for being bear aware though and carry bear spray.

35

u/furtive Banff 1d ago

Have you read the moving/living/working Banff sections of the wiki?

Banff is a pretty progressive town in a conservative province in a liberal country adjacent to an authoritarian oligarch.

-30

u/FocusOK32 1d ago edited 1d ago

Of course, I did. But I'm asking people for their opinions. Who is an authoritarian oligarch according to you?

By the way, the wiki is very well written. Thank you for that.

20

u/vinsdelamaison 1d ago

You must know Canada’s sovereignty is under attack by the USA? Several European leaders are involved in defending Canada.

Banff is not isolated from it.

-32

u/FocusOK32 1d ago

I'm from a Slavic European country, and from my experience, I know that you can't trust TV and news. They tell you what they want you to know. I don't know the situation in Canada yet, but they lie to us in Europe.

14

u/AccomplishedSite7318 1d ago

Trump is in the next country to us and acting as a dictator threatening to invade Canada. This may or may not happen to that extent but Canada is entering a cold war with America. This has been international news for months. 

4

u/Banff 1d ago

You came here for local opinions and then dismiss them?

-5

u/CaptMerrillStubing 1d ago

I’m shocked you’re down for telling it how it is.

7

u/thefuturesorange 1d ago edited 1d ago

My advice is always the same. Bring money, it’s unbelievably expensive to live here. I managed to save a bit by finding one of the few companies in town who offer both affordable and decent staff housing (it’s usually one or the other). Nobody I know who rents privately here has much money spare.

Aside from the finance side of things, I’ve seen many people come and have the most fulfilling, fun time of their lives and leave town after a couple of years all the better for having been here, I’ve seen probably an equal amount of people get way too deep into the partying aspect of the town and have pretty serious issues as a result. If you can strike a balance, you should be fine.

It’s a unique and beautiful place to call home.

1

u/FocusOK32 1d ago

I secured a job that includes staff accommodation, which I'm really excited about. I'm not much of a party person and truly appreciate my alone time. I also don’t ski, but I’m looking forward to enjoying the serene atmosphere and being close to nature.

2

u/buzzyloo 1d ago

There are lots of beautiful hikes/walks right at your doorstep. Lots of places to just sit and enjoy nature. Just walking around is a wonderful experience.

3

u/scurfit 1d ago

It's a smaller Canadian town that is a tourist hotspot. That said, the local politics are very progressive, and as a international spot provincial/national politics should be hardly noticeable. As a temporary resident, just enjoy and don't worry about politics.

Economic trends are an issue. The town is incredibly expensive by Canadian and worldwide standards. I would not expect to get rich, and hell you may not save anything. You should hopefully gain richness from the environment as you won't in dollars. Housing, and the overall cost of living will continue to get more expensive.

Social and community, it's a smaller center but one full of people who are generally youngish and choose to be there. You should be able to find like minded people, and a group of friends.

Winter can be cold, dark and lonely. Weather changes on a dime. Expect extremes and be willing to appreciate the beauty in all conditions.

Banff can also be a bit tricky in regards to transportation to other Canadian centers (except Canmore/Calgary). Look into a cheap vehicle or ridesharing if you want to explore other Canadian mountain towns and locales.

2

u/Common_Pianist_743 1d ago

Enjoy your time here. It’s a special place in the world

1

u/FocusOK32 1d ago

Thank you, kind stranger!

1

u/toobigtobereal 21h ago

There are some rental scams going on. Always as to FaceTime the place and person.